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https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/390
Title: | An Exploratory Study of Contracting Performance by Untrained Individuals |
Authors: | Ned Kock Jacques Verville Jesus Carmona |
Keywords: | Electronic Commerce Electronic Trade Web-Based Contracts Software Purchasing Communication Media Media Naturalness |
Issue Date: | 1-Apr-2006 |
Publisher: | Acquisition Research Program |
Citation: | Published--Unlimited Distribution |
Series/Report no.: | Contractor Performance NPS-CM-06-092 |
Abstract: | This paper reports on an experimental study where 178 student subjects without formal training in contracting issues were asked to accept or reject each of 20 clauses of a software purchasing contract. The subjects used a Web-based interface to accept or reject clauses. Of the 20 clauses in the contract, 6 were intentionally deceitful, in the sense that they specified binding obligations that made it unadvisable to accept them as part of a contract. On average, the subjects were able to correctly accept approximately 11 out of 14 non-deceitful clauses. Somewhat surprisingly, the subjects were able to correctly reject only 2 out of 6 deceitful clauses. The study also suggests that, among untrained individuals, those who are older, have more general work experience, and have above-average scholastic ability are the ones more likely to perform well in contracting tasks under conditions similar to those found in this study (i.e., Web-based contracting conditions). This study's findings provide the basis for a strong call for more and better training of contract officers in the DoD. |
Description: | Contract Management / NPS Faculty Research |
URI: | https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/390 |
Appears in Collections: | Annual Acquisition Research Symposium Proceedings & Presentations |
Files in This Item:
File | Size | Format | |
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NPS-CM-06-092.pdf | 196.37 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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